The Mandatory Regulation Impact Statement Bill 2025 requires that a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) be prepared and presented with every Commonwealth Bill or legislative instrument that is likely to have a regulatory impact, unless it is minor or technical in nature.

This measure codifies the existing Legislative Handbook 2017 requirement and extends it to non-Government Bills to boost transparency and strengthen parliamentary scrutiny.

The Mandatory Regulation Impact Statement Bill 2025 establishes a statutory obligation to include a Regulation Impact Statement in the Explanatory Memorandum for any Commonwealth Bill or legislative instrument likely to affect businesses, community organisations or individuals. A RIS must assess the likely costs and benefits of the proposal and consider alternative ways to achieve its policy objectives, in line with the standards of the Legislative Handbook 2017 and the Office of Impact Analysis.

• The requirement applies to both Government and non-Government legislation, subject to exceptions for measures that are minor, technical or do not substantially alter existing arrangements.
• Definitions of "explanatory statement" and "rule-maker" are drawn from the Legislation Act 2003, and the parameters of a RIS mirror existing Impact Analysis guidelines.
• Clause 7 provides that a failure to prepare or present a RIS does not invalidate the legislation and that the content is not binding on any court or tribunal.
• Parliamentary procedure is amended so that a Bill or instrument without a required RIS cannot proceed to a vote.